Love & Redemption
Chapter 85 - 42: Fuyu Island (Part 1)

Chapter 85: Chapter 42: Fuyu Island (Part 1)

By the time they reached West Gate, Xuanji’s flushed face still hadn’t subsided. She held the soft and fragrant jade orchid with one hand, her mind seemingly clear yet unclear, filled with joy accompanied by a strange stir, as if she had understood something in a flash, but couldn’t quite articulate what it was.

Suddenly feeling Yu Sifeng grasp her hand, her heart skipped a beat and she timidly raised her eyes to look at him. He was smiling gently, his eyes warm and affectionate like spring water, and after a moment, he said softly, "It looks very nice."

The blush that hadn’t yet faded on her cheeks because of his words spread once again, even reaching her neck.

"Uh... this, well..." She was at a loss for words, hardly knowing what she wanted to say, but fortunately, he wasn’t really listening to her as he suddenly turned his head to look forward.

Xuanji secretly breathed a sigh of relief, glad that the awkward moment had passed. Following his gaze, she saw a two-story old house standing at the end of the street, the tallest building there with a roof of glazed tiles, all worn and tattered yet still imposing.

This must be the old residence at West Gate that the owner had talked about. To go to Fuyu Island, they had to report here first. Xuanji saw several people in white clothes with red borders, the attire of Fuyu Island disciples, standing in front of the house. She suggested, "Let’s go ask them, see if we can report our arrival."

Yu Sifeng held her back, "Wait, those people seem to be discussing something."

He led Xuanji to hide in a narrow alley, stretching their ears to hear what they were saying. They heard someone crying, sobbing while whispering, "Today Yongqing and Shufeng were also expelled from the sect by Master... It seems this time Master is determined to drive us away, and the hope of returning to the sect is probably just wishful thinking."

This made everyone sigh. After a while, another choked up, "Master and Mistress raised us, yet we haven’t repaid their kindness and now such a thing has happened... Who exactly angered Master? We’ve all been on tenterhooks."

Someone whispered, "Chi Feng was the first to be driven out... But what did you do?"

Immediately, someone exclaimed defensively, "Don’t talk nonsense! I haven’t done anything to offend Master! That day I was just late from practice and missed dinner, then when I returned Master drove me out! I... I haven’t done anything to wrong Master!"

"But since then, disciples have been continuously expelled. Think carefully, what exactly did you do that day? If we can find the reason, we can admit our guilt to Master and beg him to retract his decision."

The young man called Chi Feng’s face flushed with indignation, but put on the spot by everyone looking at him, he tried to recall earnestly, "That day Master had just taught me Jinghong Swordsmanship, and I practiced at the Martial Arts Arena for a long time, not realizing it had gotten dark. I was afraid of worrying Master by returning late, so I took a shortcut through the back garden, then I ran into Mistress. She asked about my progress in practice, and before we could talk further, Master arrived, looking very displeased, and waved me off. I thought he was angry about me being late, so I rushed back to the disciples’ quarters, but who knew... the next day... he wrote the decree... and expelled me from the sect..."

At this, he was so choked up that he couldn’t speak, and everyone was at a loss for words to comfort him, leaving them all to sigh among themselves.

Xuanji and Zhong Minyan, having heard this, had a pretty good idea of what was going on. It seemed that Dongfang Island Master must have found out about his wife’s conduct but perhaps still didn’t know who her lover was, so, in a fit of rage and suspicion, he expelled anyone who seemed close to her.

His arbitrary dismissal wasn’t just unsightly if known to others, but it could also hurt the disciples’ feelings. It showed that when people become angry, reason completely loses its way.

The two exchanged a glance, nodded to each other, and then stepped out together. Yu Sifeng approached them and bowed, "Greetings to you all."

The disciples quickly wiped away their tears and returned the courtesy, "No need for such formality. May I ask who you two are...?"

Yu Sifeng replied, "I am Yu Sifeng, a disciple of Li Ze Palace. This is Miss Chu Xuanji, a disciple of Shaoyang Sect. We have been journeying to hone our skills, and along the way, we have come upon some significant clues which we’re unable to solve by ourselves, hence we seek an audience with Dongfang Island Master. Please report our arrival."

Among those disciples, some knew of Chu Lei’s daughter and didn’t dare to be disrespectful. They hurriedly said, "Ashamed to say... there is no such thing as reporting now. We are already... the former disciples of Fuyu Island."

Yu Sifeng smiled faintly and warmly said, "You need not be so troubled. Dongfang Island Master has always been a hero of generous spirit. I believe his expulsion of disciples from the sect is but a momentary outburst, and he will surely retract his decree in a couple of days."

The disciples shook their heads, sadly saying, "You don’t understand. Master has made up his mind this time..."

Xuanji, seeing them holding back tears, couldn’t help feeling sympathetic and whispered, "Don’t be upset. If I can help, I’ll plead with Uncle Dongfang on your behalf, ask him not to drive you away..."

Moved, they said, "If the lady could persuade Master to retract his command, we will never forget such a favor!"

"Uh... no need, it’s nothing..." Xuanji, who had never witnessed such a scene before, panicked and quickly waved her hands, "I... I’ll try my best to persuade him."

As for whether she would be successful, that was anyone’s guess. A man as proud as him, having suffered such humiliation, it was only natural for him to be indignant. How he would resolve it depended on his own character.

At that moment, the disciples led the two of them into an old mansion, filled out a visitor’s form, and requested the elder brother on duty to send them to Fuyu Island.

Seeing that they were escorted all the way to the seashore, reluctant to part, Xuanji said, "Don’t worry, Uncle Dongfang will definitely take you back. Don’t go far, just wait here."

The disciples bowed their farewells, staring blankly as the two of them soared into the sky on their swords, rapidly turning into a few small black dots. They were still loath to disperse, as if Xuanji’s departure was their only hope.

This was Xuanji’s first visit to Fuyu Island. Having heard from Linglong about the rare and beautiful flowers, and the breathtaking scenery, she too had been longing to see it. Now that she had truly set foot on this land, she realized that the scenery here was far beyond what could be encompassed by the phrase "breathtakingly beautiful."

They now stood upon a massive white marble platform; just ahead was the island’s grand entrance, flanked by towering pillar-like structures that soared like clouds, with golden dragons and auspicious clouds entwined around them. The boundless azure sea surrounded them, offering an extremely vast view. The sky was filled with golden sunlight that poured down unimpeded, dazzling with countless golden glints. The sheer majesty was beyond description.

Overwhelmed by the brilliance, Xuanji understood why her parents always said they should explore the outside world more. Always confined to the Seven Peaks of Shouyang Mountain, so many splendid sights remained unseen.

"Please come in. This is as far as we need to escort you," the leading disciple bowed politely to the two of them and added, "To the right after entering the gate, past the flower shed, is the main hall. Please wait for a moment; the Sect Leader will arrive shortly."

Having said this, the disciple flew back to Fuyu Town on his sword. Yu Sifeng saw Xuanji staring at the towering structures in front of the gate, lost in thought, and couldn’t help but smile, "The beauty inside must be even more splendid. Fuyu Island is known for its extraordinary landscapes, but this is just the gateway."

Xuanji nodded and followed him through the grand entrance, where a line of six disciples bowed and opened the way for them. Inside, a white marble path stretched endlessly ahead, flanked by a variety of trees. The island knew no winter or summer; it was warm like spring all year round. While the outside world was blanketed in snow and ice, the island was full of greenery and fragrant with birds and flowers, a true delight to the senses.

The marble path soon branched into countless pebble-strewn walkways. Following the initial guidance, the pair turned right and, after a short while, came upon an expansive flower shed radiant with color, where a myriad of butterflies danced; such opulence was more befitting of a wealthy estate than a cultivation sect.

Beyond the flower shed stood an intricate building distinguishable by its antique grey-tiled rooftop and pristine white walls, ornate with rows of flower pots bursting with variously hued peonies, vibrant and charming. Xuanji was nearly dazzled by the display and, fortunately for her, Yu Sifeng took the lead, or she could have wandered aimlessly on her own.

In front of the main hall, two more disciples awaited. They bowed and made way for them to enter, with one promptly going to inform the Sect Leader and the other bringing two cups of tea.

Xuanji noted that the teacups were carved from a single crystal, clear and sparkling. The tea inside was a pale reddish hue, fragrant with the scent of flowers. She found it anything but bitter, the taste pleasantly sweet in her mouth, prompting her to finish it in one go and play with the crystal cup in her hands.

Seeing Xuanji’s delighted expression, the disciple asked with a smile, "Does Miss Chu like the flower tea from Fuyu Island?"

Xuanji nodded and inquired, "I’ve tried flower tea before, but never one that tasted this good. What flower is it made from?"

The disciple, proud as if enumerating treasures, replied, "It’s a type of flower that grows only on Fuyu Island, called ’Jade Snow.’ This flower never bears fruit, blooms three seasons a year, and withers at the year’s end, only to bloom again the next. Initially, we disciples simply enjoyed its sweet fragrance and never thought to dry it for making tea until the Sect Leader’s Wife taught us it could be used to brew. It’s refreshing and good for the eyes."

He found himself instinctively charmed by Xuanji’s bright eyes and genuine nature. The flower tea was precious, and typically they would only serve one cup per visitor, but he couldn’t resist pouring another cup for Xuanji, ready to chat more, when footsteps were heard from outside. The disciple quickly got up with respect and loudly announced, "Disciple pays respect to the Sect Leader."

Dongfang Qingqi walked in with a beam, waving the disciple off, and looking at the young couple across him—one handsomely spirited, the other as graceful as jade—he exclaimed, "Is this Xuanji and Si Feng? It’s been four years; you children have grown up!"

Both bowed in greeting, "Greetings to Dongfang Island Master."

"Why so formal? You used to call me Uncle Dongfang when you were kids!" He sat down across from them, looking around in surprise, "Aren’t Linglong Minyan and the others with you? Weren’t you supposed to come down the mountain for cultivation together?"

They paused for a moment before Yu Sifeng said, "The matter... is a long story." (To be continued... To find out what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com. There are more Chapters available, support the author, support genuine reading!)